Opinions please on Axiom HT Setup

[Sheky]

Guys -

Still trying to settle on a HT setup (mostly movies, little music). I really am digging the look of the Axiom speakers. They seem to get good reviews and are very sharp. I really dig the look of the QS4 and QS8 (haven't decided which yet).

Here is what I am thinking for a setup. First, I am running an Onkyo TX-SR605. Not uber powerful, but I think it should be able to handle this setup in 5.1.

Fronts: M22v2
Center: VP100 (need the smaller of the two so it fits in my TV stand (wife requirement)
Back: QS4 or QS8. These seem like they would be great surround speakers particularly since I am not planning on listening to much music with them.
Sub: Have a cheaper one for now but at some point would probably upgrade to one of their 12" ones.

What are your guys thoughts on this? Are these as good as they look or is this all smoke and mirrors. I'm looking for a decent, budget minded setup. Much thanks.

 

[mazersteven]

There is a lot of information on all the audio forums about the Axiom M22v2's. Try using the search function on the forums.

Consensus--Excellent sound quality, subwoofer needed.

 

[MinusTheBear]

What are the dimensions of your room?

 

[fredk]

Definately not smoke and mirrors. The M22s should be good unless you are in a very big room. For HT, there are many other subs like HSU, SVS... that perform better for the $.

 

[Sheky]

Room is approximately 18x22, however, it is completely open on one side to my dining room and kitchen. Ceilings are 9 feet.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Big room, you need a big sub.

I have heard people say that Axiom's dont look as good in real life as they do in the pictures.

Find someone that has them and make sure you like the sound before you buy them , unless they have a good return option.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Room is approximately 18x22, however, it is completely open on one side to my dining room and kitchen. Ceilings are 9 feet.

The QS8 will work great in your room. The QS4 and QS8 are both amazing surround speakers, the QS8 can provide more output so they are more suitable for larger rooms. Either will work for your situation, it is just a matter if you want to pay the little extra for the 8's. I would also recommend you get a good quality subwoofer. A subwoofer will play a big role in your HT experience and will make listening to your Axioms so much sweeter.

 

[fredk]

I have heard people say that Axiom's dont look as good in real life as they do in the pictures.

Find someone that has them and make sure you like the sound before you buy them , unless they have a good return option.

My M80s look pretty much the same as the pics. To me they are a good looking speaker, but its a matter of personal taste.

Axiom has a 30 day eval period, but I agree, If you can find someone locally that will give you a listen, do that first. Post in their Hearing Things forum and see if you can find someone local.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=9&page=1

 

[MinusTheBear]

Big room, you need a big sub.

I have heard people say that Axiom's dont look as good in real life as they do in the pictures.

Find someone that has them and make sure you like the sound before you buy them , unless they have a good return option.

I have no issues with the aesthetics of my axioms speakers. Just to let the OP know that the standard on their speakers is a vinyl finish. If you have your heart set on a real wood finish, you can upgrade at a price. BTW, the vinyl finish on the Axiom speakers look identical in person. With real wood veneer I have noticed a difference in pictures and in person, this is normal because of the natural variation within the wood itself.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Well see, I have no idea what I am talking about and I have never seen any. I just saw a few people say this on various forums so -my bad

I have no issues with the aesthetics of my axioms speakers. Just to let the OP know that the standard on their speakers is a vinyl finish. If you have your heart set on a real wood finish, you can upgrade at a price. BTW, the vinyl finish on the Axiom speakers look identical in person. With real wood veneer I have noticed a difference in pictures and in person, this is normal because of the natural variation within the wood itself.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Well see, I have no idea what I am talking about and I have never seen any. I just saw a few people say this on various forums so -my bad

You said nothing wrong, it is subjective and a matter of ones taste. No need for apology. What I have noticed it is that some people have an axe to grind with vinyl finishes in general in that they all look cheap and ugly, this is not necessarily the case.

 

[fredk]

Thats it Greg, no scotch for you tonight. Or was that double scotch? I always get the two confused.

Minus, I agree. Some people just don't like vinyl.

Two of the finishes I saw during my factory tour, high gloss cherry and hg burled walnut, were both indistinguishable from the real thing unless you looked very, very closely. I saw both beside their real wood counterparts. Its really quite impressive what can be done with vinyl these days.

Now, if you were able to get an oil finish on speakers, I think it would make a big difference as oil seems to really add depth to the grain that you couldn't replicate in any artificial finish.

 

[moreira85]

axiom

I own the QS8s for surrounds in black and I must say I am impressed by the way they look and the detail they add for sound quality. I believe i picked them up for $550 for the pair. I just bought the wall brackets and will be hanging them in my house next month. In the future I am thinking of adding another 2 Qs8s or Qs4s for surrounds to make it a 7.1, however this is in the distant future!!